The 2016 Better Buildings Summit is Less Than Two Weeks Away, May 9-11

With less than two weeks left until the 2016 Better Buildings Summit, guests and other experts are gearing up to answer your questions on market and energy trends. Participants will have the chance to engage with research and development experts and share their insights for different industrial sectors on new technologies, innovations, and issues that affect energy productivity in the manufacturing sector. The Better Plants Technology Transfer Lunch and a question and answer session led by AMO Director Mark Johnson are just a couple events participants have to look forward to.

Registration is still open for the 2016 Better Buildings Summit. For more information on this event and how to register, please visit this website.

NIST FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Embedding MEP in NNMI Institutes Pilot Projects

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is calling for proposals from current MEP Centers to support efforts of the MEP Program. Proposals accepted for funding will conduct pilot projects that add capabilities to the MEP program by solving new or emerging manufacturing problems. Funded pilot projects will develop and enhance effective collaborative relationships involving MEP Centers and Institutes participating in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. NIST anticipates funding approximately seven Pilot Project awards at a level of approximately $300,000 - $600,000 per year for each award. The Pilot Projects awarded under this FFO will have a budget and performance period of up to two years. An informational webinar will be held on May 9, 2016 at 2:30PM-4:00PM EDT. Proposals are due June 17, 2016.

To view this funding opportunity announcement, please click here.

Nine Companies Join the North American International Organization for Standardization 50001 Pilot Program

It was recently announced that nine companies will be joining the new North American International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001 Pilot Program. This new program will be led by Mexico’s Ministry of Energy and National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 3M, ArcelorMittal, BMW, Cargill, Cummins Inc., Ingersoll Rand, Intertape Polymer Group, New Gold, and Titan America will receive training and technical assistance to achieve ISO 50001 and Superior Energy Performance® (SEP™) certification. With the support of DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), the program will assist global efforts through the Clean Energy Ministerial and the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation.

To read more about the new North America ISO 50001 Pilot Program, please click here.

AMO Celebrated Earth Day

While the world celebrated Earth Day on Friday, April 22, the DOE continued its year round efforts to address climate change issues and ensure energy security for the U.S. More specifically, AMO is redesigning life cycle thinking and methodologies to materials and energy issues to deliver a better understanding of the net energy impact of technology investments in manufacturing. AMO’s approach to life cycle analysis includes a cross-sectoral assessment of energy requirements of the materials, manufacture, transport, use/re-use, and end of life of a product. Life cycle thinking can help identify opportunities beyond the plant boundaries. Applying life cycle energy methodologies is crucial to the research, development, and deployment of sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Read our blog to learn more about how AMO helps manufacturers play an active role in the reduction of life cycle energy use through our programs.

AMO Director Discussed Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovations at Hannover Messe Industrial Fair

Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology fair, began this week in Germany featuring conversations about innovation and issues affecting the manufacturing industry worldwide. On April 26th, AMO Director Mark Johnson presented a lecture at the Tech Transfer – Gateway2Innovation forum. He spoke about clean energy manufacturing innovations including the role of DOE sponsored facilities in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). AMO’s institutes and the other NNMI institutes will be represented at a booth during Hannover Messe to showcase American manufacturing innovation and engage with industry leaders. Attendees can find the NNMI booth in Exhibition Stand Hall 2, Stand B60 within the Research and Technology Pavilion.

Stay tuned for more AMO news from Hannover Messe this week, including a recap of Mark Johnson’s lecture.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Will Host This Year’s Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy National Lab Impact Summit – May 4

The Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy (EERE) National Lab Impact Summit will be held at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado on May 4, 2016 and will bring together representatives from EERE’s 17 national labs as well as industry partners to highlight and showcase successful public/private partnerships in energy innovation. AMO Director, Dr. Mark Johnson will moderate as panelists discuss partnerships and mechanisms for collaboration as well as provide details on current and future collaborations. This full day program includes keynote presentations, break-out panels by technology, round-table discussions with industry-leading Chief Technology Officers, interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, tours, and more.

More information including how to register and an agenda can be found here.

Are You Registered For The 2016 American Energy & Manufacturing Competitiveness (AEMC) Northeast Regional Summit? – May 12

The Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative is hosting the 2016 American Energy & Manufacturing Competitiveness (AEMC) Northeast Regional Summit: Innovating for a Clean Energy Future on Thursday, May 12 at the City College of New York and registration is still open. Participants can expect showcases of promising energy and manufacturing innovations along with keynote addresses, presentations, C-Suite panels, and interactive exhibits.

Click here to view more information on this event and registration.

The Dispatchable Distributed Generation and Manufacturing Report is Now Available Online

In February, AMO held a two-day workshop on the role of the manufacturing sector in grid modernization. This workshop included discussions on the technological barriers of grid modernization in the industrial sector. The final report from this workshop entitled “Dispatchable Distributed Generation and Manufacturing” can be found on our website.